Device for moistening adhesive tape



May 10 1927. 1,628,221

s. BERGSTEIN DEVICE FOR MOISTENING ADHESIVE TAPE Filed Feb. 5, 1926 Patented May 10, 1927.

2 [UNITED STATES PATENT? OFFICE. V

SAMUEL BERGSVTEIN, or MmnLa'rown, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO T E m'rims'r a'rn row ING BOX COMPANY, OF MIDDLETOWN, HI 0.

DEVICE MOISTENING ADHESIVE. TAPE.

Application filed February Thisinvention relatesto improvements in devices for moistening adhesivetape.

The objects of the invention are attained in connection with the commerical use of adhesive tape for sealing purposes, as for sea]- ing packages, boxes, shipping containers of all sorts, etc, which is now extensively practiced.

To. obtain satisfactory results in the use of adhesive tape for this purpose it is essential that the right application of moisture to the tape be made. If the moisture is unevenly applied to the adhesive surface of the tape, or if too much. moisture is used. the best results will-not be obtained and time will have 'to be allowed for the excess moisture to'be absorbed after the tape is applied before firm adhesion will result. For instant firm adhesion of the tape to the surface to which it is applied there must be just sufiicient moisture to render the tape adhesive which will then respond to very slight pressure and firm adhesion will be effected for sealing the container. 1

To this end the present invention consists in: a device for moietening adhesive tape in which provision is made for regulating the moisture as it is applied to the tape and also for effecting an even distribution. of the moisture over the surface to be rendered adhesive.

Means are also provided for maintaining normal contact relations of the moisture applying element for the further purpose of maintaining right conditions of use.

In aform of the invention herein set forth means are also employed for regulating the amount or length oftape passed over the moistening device upon one delivery, this feature having no influence on the action of the moistening device, except to determine the length of tape delivered.

In the accon'ipanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in front elevation of the moistening device including the tape regulating feature;

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation partly in section of the device as shown in Fig. 1.

As here shown in Fig. 1 the complete de 5, 1925.. Serial No. 86,348.

tended shaft 2, as here shown, which is supported in base 1 and has secured to its upper end a bracket 3 and stem 4 for supporting a roll of adhesive tape 5. V

The tape measuring device, as. best shown in- Fig. 1 consists of a toothed wheel. 6 supported err shaft 7, extended laterally from a lnacket 8 secured to shaft 2 and in frictional shaft 13 is notched disc 2"? coacting with a spring tensioned plunger 28 supported in arm 14, the arm being tensioned, by, a spring 29, thus to increase the frictional relation between the cones 11-12. t I

From the foregoing detailed description of the tape measuring mechanism it will be observed that the measuring mechanism isnormally locked by means of the plunger 28 coacting with the notcheddisc 27. Upon disengaging .the plunger from the disc and drawing the tape strip forward, wheel 6 will be rotated, by reason of the engagement of the tape with the teeth of the wheel, and disc 27 will be rotated through the'medlum of the cones 11-12 until the notch of the disc is again presented to the plunger 28 which cone 12 is shifted axially on shaft 13 relative to cone 11 the length of the tap delivered will be longer or shorter. according as cone too 12 is moved to right or left, as viewed in r Fig. 1 and as indicated in dotted outline positions. When moved to the right a longer strip of tape will be delivered and when moved to the left a shorter strip will be delivered, the length of tape delivered being varied according to the extent of adjustment given cone 12 in either direction.

The moistening device,'as here shown, consists of the frame parts 12, a water pan 15 supported slidably on base 1 by a tongue and groove connection 16, an endless moisture coi'iducting web 17 (preferably of felt material), disposed over opposite web spreaders 18 19 each supported slidably on post 2 by means of friction collars 20 to provide for vertical adjustment of one part relative to the other to regulate the span of the web.

The lower portion of web 17 is suspended in the water in pan 15, the water rising in the web by capillary action to the point of contact with the tape. T he amount of moisture conducted to the contact portion of the web will be detern'iined by the height of the upper web supporting member 18 above the level of the water in pan 15. the application of moisture being adapted to be regulated closely by the vertical adjustment of part 18 to effect the best adhesive condition of the tape.

An adjustable, spring tensioncd pressure guard 21 is supported on a stem 22, extended laterally from the upper collar 20 parallel to the upper web spreader, over the web 17 and acts to press the tape strip 10 as it passes under the guard into engagement with the web, the tension of the plate regulated to the required pressure by means of the spring 24 to effect the desired moistening' action on the tape.

lVhen a given contact portion of the moisture web becomes fouled with an eX- cessive accumulation of adhesive matter from the tape the web is adapted to be adjusted longitudinally to present a clean portion ot the web at the contact point with the tape. \Vhen the entire web becomes fouled it can readily be removed and cleansed or a clean web can be substituted.

A tape severing or tearing; edge 25 is provided. as here shown, by means of a plate 26 secured to the guard 21 which enables the user of the moistener to tear the tape in any required lengths or in measured lengths as desired.

Having described my invention, 1 claim:

1. An adhesive tape moistening device including; in combination. a container for a liquid. a normally stationary web extended into the liquid in a manner to iause the liquid to rise by capillary action in the web to a portion thereof contactingwith a length of tape drawn over the web, means toregulate the distance between the liquid and said point of contact and means to regulate the pressure between the web and tape at said point.

An adhesive tape moistening device including in combination, a container for a liquid, a normally stationary web extended into the liquid in a manner to cause the liquid to rise by capillary action in the web to a portion thereof contacting with a length of tape drawn over the web, means to adjust the web to regulate the distance between the liquid and said point of contact.

3. An adhesive tape moistening device including in combination, a container for a liquid. a normally stationary web extended into the liquid in a manner to cause the liquid to rise by capillary action in the web to a portion thereof contacting with a length of tape drawn over the web, means to adj ust the web to present a clean portion of the web at the point of contact with the tape and to regulate the distance between the liquid and said point.

4. An adhesive tape moistening device including in combination, a container for a liquid, oppositely disposed web supporting members adpistable variably one relative to the other, an endless web disposed over said members. adapted to beregulatcd. by said adjustment thereof and extended into a liquid to cause capillary action of the liquid in the web. and means to draw a length of tape over the web to elfect moistening of the tape.

5. An adhesive tape moistening device ineluding in combination, a container for a liquid, oppositely disposed web supporting members adjustable variablv one relative to the other, an endless web disposed over said men'ibers. adapted to be regulated by said adjustment thereof and extended into a liquid to cause capillary action of the liquid in the web. and means to measure and draw a length of tape over the web to effect moistening of the tape.

6. An adhesive tape moisteninp; device comprising a supporting, structure consisting of a base. a vertically extended shaft secured in said base, opposite laterally extended members vertically adjustable one relative to the other on said shaft, an endless web disposed over said members and. a liquid container arranged to receive the lower extren'iity of said web.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature.

SAMUEL BERGSTEIN. 

